Lexus RC coupe sets arrival date

LEXUS will unleash its new IS-based coupe in Australia later this year, including an all-new fire-breathing RC F-badged flagship model.

While a smaller V6 engine will open the two-car line-up for the BMW 4 Series-rivalling Lexus, there is no mention of another Lexus staple – a fuel-sipping petrol-electric hybrid version – in the RC mix.

It’s therefore up to the big V8 to carry the environmental baton, thanks to some clever technology under the bonnet. According to Lexus, the RC F’s 5.0-litre V8 can swap between the regular, acceleration-friendly Otto cycle to a fuel-sipping Atkinson one as needed.

It won’t be a shrinking violet, though, with the normally aspirated RC F’s V8 – shared with the IS F sedan, but with even higher outputs – to spit out more than 330kW and 520Nm, delivered to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The entry-level 3.5-litre V6-engined RC350, meanwhile, will produce a more exact 234kW and 380Nm.

The four-seat RC F features a similar level of engineering enhancements as its sedan-based cousin, including a number of chassis, suspension and aerodynamic tweaks.Chunkier rocker panels and a front lower brace combine with stickier glues, laser-screw welding and more spot welding to create a more rigid frame.

Up front, the RC F features larger side air intakes than the RC350, while at the rear, it uses the same stacked quad exhaust pipes as the older IS F, although it is not known if the upper ones are just decorative like they are on the IS F.

Lexus says pricing will be released closer to the car’s launch late this year.

The current IS F – still on sale despite being based on the last-generation IS platform – is priced from $125,945, while the equivalent IS350 is priced from $65,000.

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